Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1887-05-26
THE NEW OVERCOAT.

THE NEW ONERCOAT.
Wilhelm Schulze was clerk to an adj
vocate in Berlin. His income was
naturally not very brilliant; in spite of
this however he had great hopes of one
day becoming something more than a
mere clerk With talents and bust
ness capabilities such as his, Wilhelm
felt sure of meeting with success, and
believed at least that after the death of
his chief he would succeed to his bust
ness. But this event was as yet very
remote, and Wilhelm's salary was ONLY
a poor one. Thanks however to the
excellent economy of the adorable
Mrs. MinOna Schulze, the pair were
enabled to live in fairly comfortable
circumstances, without contracting
loans in advance.
They were noted for their great
regularity in all matters pertaining to
their household; everything, even to
lie little shirt, &C., necessary to meet
certain domestic contingency, should
it come about, had been calculated for.
Unfortunately in this respect they
were doomed to disappointment, for
no such happiness as the welcoming of
little stranger was given to them.
They had been married twenty years,
and were still childless.
In spite of the Wisest and most
economical management of the system
of clothing, Wilhelm was compelled to
make suit of clothes last him four
years. Two years he wore it right
side out, for the other two it was turn
ed But after this lapse of time the
old clothes were not put aside; they
had vet to become in various WAYS
adiuncts to the housewives wardrobe
They were used to repair petticoats
for herself and dressing-gowns for her
husband, for which purpose no fixed
item was ever named in the Schulzes
housekeeping accounts.
For an overcoat Wilhelm wore the
same garment both in summer and
winter, only with this difference, that
for the winter months he had valu-
able fur collar which he had received
from a well-tO-dO relative as a we'd
ding present, and this was fastened
upon the proper collar of the overcoat,
presenting Il respectable and winterly
appearance.
His last overcoat Wilhelm had worn
for six years. The autumn had al
ready come, and the cold October
wind cut through the threadbare coat
TO the clerks very bones.
One morning, as the happy pair sat
over their coffee, the question of over
coat or no overcoat was earnestly dis
cussed. The clothing fund was thor
oughly examined, and they found that
under the heading of 'Overcoats'
there was already a sum of thirty-six
marks available for purchase. This
had been accommodating for the last six
years by means of a monthly install
ment of the sum of siXpence.
Wilhelm Schulze took up the news
paper which he had brought home
with him on the previous evening
from his Office, and ran quickly through
the list of advertisements. A smile of
satisfaction and joy lighted up his
countenance as he handed the paper to
his wife, pointing with his finger to an
advertisement.
Eyes, yes" said Minona-''tha is
not dear, twenty to forty mrrks. You
are greatly in need of one; if you lay
out twenty-five marks, you will still
have eleven to put by for the next
one"
Wilhelm put on his old overcoat. up
on which the winter collar already APP
peared- presumably for the last time
and hurried as fast as his legs would
carry him to make an important pur-
chase before his business hour arrived,
holding as he went thirty-six marks in
q convulsively-clench hand in his
pocket.
After about ten minutes sharp walk
ing, he came to a shop over the door
of which glittered in large letters the
name aaron Meyer" Inwardly agi-
tated, his cheeks glowing like fire and
his eyes shining brightly, Wilhelm
entered the shop. A portly parsonage
stepped forward and introduced him
self as the proprietor, Aaron Meyer,
and inquired, with friendly smile,
in what way he could serve his Gus
toner.
L would very much like one of your
cheap overcoats, Mr.. Meyer" painted
the clerk, in an agitated manner, over,
come by his haste.
Aaron Meyer observed his customer
with cunning eyes, and said
4 think l have something that will
suit you admirably. Sally" he called
to a young man who was sitting
sleepily on the counter, "bring me that
overcoat which was returned this
morning-AB %. The banker Cohen
returned this overcoat this morning. .
said Meyer turning to Schulze HE